The Prevention Training and Technical Assistance Service Center (TTASC) likes to take the time to spotlight the amazing prevention professionals within Connecticut and discuss their journey and successes. In this Prevention Professional Spotlight, we had the chance to interview Melvin Wells III, New Haven Prevention Council Program Coordinator and Research Assistant.
What does prevention mean to you?
Prevention is investing in your community. Protecting your community from any kind of negative factors that can play out in your community.
How did you get interested in the prevention field?
I came across a position at the Consultation Center at Yale, and then I came onto the One Step team. I really fell in love with the fact that I grew up in New Haven, went to a New Haven public school, and I had an opportunity to create an environment I wish I had when I was in that public school. Being able to interact with the youth really got me into prevention.
What has been your career journey?
In college, I studied Psychology and Philosophy. Both help me think outside of the box and be open to other people’s ideas. Throughout my last couple of years of college, I made it a point to get involved in social equity and prevention issues. I took that opportunity to better my public speaking skills, which led me to be the keynote speaker at my graduation, which is where I feel the switch really happened. After that, I knew I had to chase wanting to help my community in a position where I had a purpose.
What do you consider your area of specialty (e.g., priority substance, populations, coalition work, training)?
With my background playing college sports, being able to bring awareness of the mental health aspect of sports in something I have taken a large initiative in and something I feel I have a specialty in. I am also strong in making connections in the coalition. I do take a lot of pride in being able to identify community partners and get them involved in our coalition. In a community, it is interesting how different sectors cross, so having everyone represented at the table is something I take a lot of pride in.
What do you like most about your job?
Anytime I have an opportunity to connect with a group of youth about staying mentally healthy while playing sports is something I love doing. On the same note, I love connecting to the One Step kids, our youth influencer program, and providing some guidance for them towards future planning or decision-making, and supporting them is tremendously fulfilling for me.
What advice would you give someone entering the prevention field?
Keep your passion in mind. If there is a possibility to weave your passions into prevention, bringing prevention to others who share that passion is something that fulfills me. I can bring the New Haven Prevention Council into places it has never been to interact with groups it has never interacted with before through those passions.
Describe a recent prevention accomplishment in Connecticut (statewide or local) that caught your attention.
Narcan dissemination is one of the major accomplishments in our community that has been heartwarming. Currently, with Narcan, there can be a stigma around it, and saving someone’s life shouldn’t be stigmatized. Having community partners be able to disseminate Narcan without any questions asked, without stigma, is major. I am happy to see this progress in our community.
What are some ways that you practice your own self-care and work-life balance?
Working on my car and working with my football team. When I am on the field coaching my boys, it is bliss.
Was there anything special your coalition did for National Prevention Week?
We ran a prevention fair. We invited all our community partners to school, we had all the school clubs involved, and several colleges as well. It was great to see all our clubs interact. Our attendance was beyond what we expected. We were raising engagement opportunities for students and awareness of programs and activities in their school and community that will support their interests and that there are healthcare providers and resources that are within reach if they need help too.
